Your fridge freezer may be enough if its compartment can genuinely freeze prepared meals and has room for both your current stock and the food you plan to add. If not, a separate appliance could give you the extra space you need. Choose a format based on how easily you can reach portions, how much you need to freeze in one day and where you can put it, rather than relying on the total capacity alone. The Ministry of Agriculture and Anses remind us that an appliance does not replace safe cooling and defrosting practices.
If you want to take out a meal without moving all your food around, check that your containers fit in the compartments and that the interior layout works for you. Bosch Electroménager France and Liebherr France describe adjustable spaces or removable drawers on some models.
If you prepare several meals to freeze at once, check the freezing capacity in kg/24 h as well as the storage volume. Bosch Electroménager France lists these as separate figures for the GSN36VWEP.
If you’re looking for an extra appliance to go with your fridge freezer, measure the alcove and allow for the space needed to install it before comparing usable capacity. Liebherr France gives precise niche dimensions for its SUFNc 375i under-counter model.
Work out how much room you need for food that’s already frozen and how much you want to add in a day. Then check the installation requirements and safe food storage guidance.
Consider this if: you want to keep portions separate and reach them regularly in drawers.
Check: the space it takes up, how far the door swings open and the dimensions of your containers.
Consider this if: you have a dedicated space and want to compare a freestanding storage option.
Check: how easy it is to reach food and the specifications of the exact model. Don’t assume these based on the chest format alone.
Consider this if: you have a suitable niche and want extra freezer space close to where you prepare meals.
Check: the installation dimensions for the exact model and whether there’s enough room for your containers.
Consider this if: the current compartment has room for your portions and planned additions, or you need to replace both appliances.
Check: the freezer compartment’s capacity and freezing capacity separately from the total volume.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Finding portions and storing containers | Container dimensions, access to drawers and any adjustable features listed for the exact model. | I want to find a meal without moving all my food around. Around 26% of consumers prioritise easy access to portions and convenient storage. |
| Freezing prepared meals in one day | Amount added in kg, freezing capacity in kg/24 h and the loading instructions in the manual. | When I prepare several meals at once, I check that the appliance can freeze this new batch, not just store it. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this ability to freeze larger batches. |
| Choosing an appliance to suit your home | Available space, niche, door opening, planned installation and the capacity of your current fridge freezer. | I want to add to my appliances without crowding a kitchen where every space matters. This installation constraint is a priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Managing running costs and maintenance | The energy label for the exact model, stated annual energy consumption, defrosting type and warranty terms. | If I’m comparing running costs and maintenance, I check these details for the specific model. Around 16% of consumers put these criteria first. |
| Storing and defrosting meals safely | Actual freezing capacity, recommended settings, cooling after cooking and defrosting method. | I want to choose an appliance that’s suitable for freezing and follow the right steps before and after storage. Around 16% of consumers prioritise getting these steps right. |
To freeze home-cooked meals, check that the appliance has a genuine freezing function, rather than just a compartment for storing food that’s already frozen. The Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes a 4-star compartment, which can bring food to −18 °C at its core, from a 3-star compartment designed for storage.
Capacity in litres tells you how much you can store; freezing capacity in kg/24 h indicates how much food can be frozen in a day. Bosch Electroménager France lists 18,0 kg/24 h for the GSN36VWEP. This figure applies to that specific model and, on its own, doesn’t show whether it’s suitable for every quantity or use.
The total volume includes several compartments and doesn’t tell you how much space is available for frozen food on its own.
Compare the freezer compartment’s capacity and freezing capacity separately, then take your containers into account.
An appliance chosen on total volume alone may not solve the problem of finding enough room for your portions.
A compartment designed to store food that’s already frozen may not have the function needed to freeze freshly prepared meals.
Check the freezing function and the compartment’s rating for the exact model, including in its manual.
Anses reminds us that most microorganisms survive freezing.
Follow the recommended guidance for chilling food after preparation and defrosting it. An appliance can’t make up for unsafe storage beforehand.
The current A to G scale, which info.gouv.fr says was reintroduced in 2021, isn’t directly comparable with the previous A+++ rating.
Compare the labels for the models you’re considering and check their stated annual energy consumption too.
Comparing old and new classes can lead to a choice based on figures that use different scales.
Upright freezers and fridge freezers from selected ranges are worth considering when comparing storage layouts and freezing capacity.
Some under-counter models are worth looking at when installation requirements and space are key considerations.
The French range includes chest freezers, which are worth comparing if you have a dedicated space for one.
Fridge freezers from selected ranges are an option if you need to buy or replace both appliances.
These products include fridge freezers, upright freezers and chest freezers, so you can compare different ways to store portions.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a built-in appliance that combines refrigeration and freezing. The product details specify a sliding-door installation.
Total volume: 249 L; freezer compartment: 62 L; stated freezing capacity: 5 kg/24 h.
The product details list FROSTMATIC, No Frost and three drawers in the freezer.
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Worth considering if you’d like to organise food in an upright freezer with several storage compartments.
The product details list a capacity of 161 L, three drawers and two shelves.
They also list No Frost and a temperature setting range of −14 °C to −22 °C. Check the manual for freezing guidance relevant to how you plan to use it.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for an appliance that combines refrigeration and freezing in separate compartments.
Stated volume: 444 L in total; the product details describe Total No Frost technology in both compartments.
The stated ambient temperature range is 10 to 43 °C. Check the model documentation for its freezing capacity before storing freshly prepared meals in it.
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Worth considering if you have space for a chest freezer and are looking for dedicated storage.
The product details list a storage basket, a counterbalanced lid, an adjustable thermostat and adjustable feet.
Check the model documentation for its freezing capacity before storing freshly prepared meals in it.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a more compact chest freezer with a removable basket for storing portions.
The product details list a switchable fresh/frozen zone, a counterbalanced lid and castors.
Check the model documentation for its freezing capacity before storing freshly prepared meals in it.
Not necessarily. First check whether your current compartment can genuinely freeze food and has room for both your current stock and new meals. The Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes freezing, which requires a 4-star compartment, from simply storing food that’s already frozen.
Anses recommends putting food in the fridge no later than two hours after preparation. This guidance is about chilling food after preparation; it doesn’t give a universal freezer storage time.
Anses recommends defrosting food in the fridge, in the microwave using the defrost setting, or quickly through cooking or reheating. Eat defrosted food promptly, within three days, and don’t refreeze it. Follow any stricter instructions on the product.
No. The required dimensions depend on the model and how it’s installed. Liebherr France specifies a niche 86 to 92 cm high, 60 cm wide and 56,0 cm deep for the SUFNc 375i. Measure the available space and check the requirements for the model you choose.
No. A No Frost function doesn’t remove the need to clean the appliance. The Ministry of Agriculture recommends a thorough clean at least once a year. You should also follow the instructions in your model’s manual.